Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Williams & Graham: This auspicious looking bookstore is actually Denver’s only true speakeasy. With no signage or distinguishable bars features, one might not realize you can drink here. You enter what looks like a book store and give your name to a clerk. The clerk writes your name on paper and passes it through a crack in the wall. Then you wait. IF you’re granted entry (which simply means there is room for you in this 60-seat establishment), the clerk pulls a book on the case and a door opens. Access granted (3160 Tejon St.; 303-997-8886). - See more at: http://denver.thedrinknation.com/articles/read/11567-Must-Visit-Hidden-Bars-in-Denver#sthash.MFvLmjYd.dpuf
The Green Russell: This Larimer Square bar is hidden behind a pie shop and is so secret, no address is listed on the bar’s website (although it is posted on Facebook). You don’t need a password to enter, like folks did during the Prohibition Era — reservations used to be required, but a recent policy change means that now all walk-ins are welcome, depending on space availability. The bartenders at the Green Russell also prefer you put your cell phone away actually talk with people. Conversation and cocktails are the rule at this Denver speakeasy (1422 Larimer St.; 303-893-6505). - See more at: http://denver.thedrinknation.com/articles/read/11567-Must-Visit-Hidden-Bars-in-Denver#sthash.MFvLmjYd.dpuf
It turns out that the hot dog place across from me is just a hot dog place, and not a front for a secret bar. I must be thinking of someplace else. Probably the please dont tell in the East Village, which you enter through the phone booth in the hot dog stand next door.
Update: and I learned last night that "speakeasy" comes from the idea that yo shouldn't be too loud, so the cops don't come. I'm reading a fascinating biography of Damon Runyon by Jimmy Breslin.
Breslin is one of the last of this style of columnist, and knew Runyon slightly, so he is he right guy to tell the story, and tells it well. Runyon knew, for example, Bat Masterson, Jack Dempsey, Jimmy Durante, Pancho Villa, and a bunch of killers, thieves and gangsters. Many of his stories had real life origins.
The Green Russell: This Larimer Square bar is hidden behind a pie shop and is so secret, no address is listed on the bar’s website (although it is posted on Facebook). You don’t need a password to enter, like folks did during the Prohibition Era — reservations used to be required, but a recent policy change means that now all walk-ins are welcome, depending on space availability. The bartenders at the Green Russell also prefer you put your cell phone away actually talk with people. Conversation and cocktails are the rule at this Denver speakeasy (1422 Larimer St.; 303-893-6505). - See more at: http://denver.thedrinknation.com/articles/read/11567-Must-Visit-Hidden-Bars-in-Denver#sthash.MFvLmjYd.dpuf
It turns out that the hot dog place across from me is just a hot dog place, and not a front for a secret bar. I must be thinking of someplace else. Probably the please dont tell in the East Village, which you enter through the phone booth in the hot dog stand next door.
Update: and I learned last night that "speakeasy" comes from the idea that yo shouldn't be too loud, so the cops don't come. I'm reading a fascinating biography of Damon Runyon by Jimmy Breslin.
Breslin is one of the last of this style of columnist, and knew Runyon slightly, so he is he right guy to tell the story, and tells it well. Runyon knew, for example, Bat Masterson, Jack Dempsey, Jimmy Durante, Pancho Villa, and a bunch of killers, thieves and gangsters. Many of his stories had real life origins.
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